GCI, Ericsson deal said to provide fixed, mobile LTE speeds of 30 Mbps
Alaska-based General Communications announced a deal with Ericsson to launch LTE services using both fixed and mobile connections along the state’s oil producing North Slope region.
The deployment will include adding nine new sites to cover more than 3,738 square miles between Kuparuk and Point Thomson. General Communications currently has 20 towers across the area as well as a terrestrial fiber optic connection to Prudhoe Bay.
The LTE-based network is said to provide downlink speeds in excess of 30 megabits per second, and will add LTE services beyond General Communications’ current LTE footprint of Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. The operator said it plans to add services later this year in the Matanuska Valley and Kenai Peninsula.
Financial details of the deal were not released.
General Communications earlier this year completed its $300 million purchase of Alaska Communication Group’s stake in its Alaska Wireless Network joint venture, bringing full control of the operations under General Communications. The deal saw GCI pick up ACG’s approximately 109,000 wireless customers, bolstering its mobile customer base to approximately 250,000 subscribers and reinforcing its position as the state’s No. 2 operator. Those customers were expected to be transitioned to GCI’s network by the end of the first quarter.
GCI also gained full control of the AWN venture, which was formed in 2012. The venture was created to design and operate a statewide wireless network providing “next-generation” services to GCI and ACG customers, with both companies continuing to market and sell services independently. GCI and ACG contributed their respective wireless assets to the venture, including spectrum licenses, cell sites, backhaul capabilities and switching systems as well as other assets. Wireless licenses involved in the transitions included spectrum across the 850 MHz, 1.7/2.1 GHz and 1.9 GHz bands.
Verizon Wireless in 2013 announced plans to enter the Alaska market through an LTE in Rural America agreement with KPU Telecommunications, which increased competitive pressure in the Alaska market.
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